Bird Houses to attract Wild Birds to your Garden

Author: Steve
There are many Bird House designs to choose from and it is important to choose the right one to suit the wild bird species that you want to attract. Nest boxes with holes in the fronts will attract small birds such as Tits, Fly Catchers and Sparrows. The hole diameter should be approximately 25-32mm for these species. A larger hole of up to 60mm is required for bigger birds such as Woodpeckers. Birds such as Blackbirds and Wrens prefer nest boxes with open fronts, and special wedge shaped designs are available to attract Tree Creepers. House Martins and Swallows typically nest under the eaves of houses with nest made of clay and specially designed replica nests can be purchased to suit these species.
Once you have decided on the right birdhouse to suit the garden bird you are aiming to attract, then you will need to pick a suitable site for the nest box. Typically, it is a good idea to place Bird Houses for smaller species such as Tits and Wrens, in the cover of hedges and shrubs but high enough off the ground or deep enough in cover to protect from predators. Bird nest boxes for larger birds such as Blackbirds and Starlings should be placed 1.5 – 5m high in a tree. Place the nesting box even higher in the Tree for Woodpeckers.
The special nesting boxes for Swallows and House Martins need to be placed where the birds build their mud and clay nests, under the eaves on the outside of buildings but can be placed inside barns and outbuildings if natural nests are in place and the birds have access.
Bird Houses can be placed close together to form colonies for species such as sparrows, or special colony nest boxes can be used.
For most wild birds it is best to site the nesting box in a quiet area of the garden away from the general comings and goings of the household. Although some birds such as Blue Tits can become quite tame and have been known to nest in post boxes and even hanging baskets right next to the house.
Whichever bird house you choose it may take some time for the birds to find it so don't worry if it is not occupied for some time. A nest box can be fitted in the garden at any time of year but if you put it in place by February (in the UK) then there is a good chance it will be occupied by the Spring.
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Category › attracting birds to your backyard , bird house , bird houses , bird nest box , bird nesting box , birdhouse , garden birds , nest boxes , wild birds

Create a Nature Program in Your Own Home

Author: Steve
The Springwatch and Autumnwatch programs on television in the UK have brought birds and nature into our homes in ever more intimate detail. With the advent of the latest camera technology we can all now watch and listen in on birds and animals in their natural environment.
The technology used on the program is also available quite cheaply for the nature enthusiast to use in their own home too. Nest box cameras are available in black and white or colour and are supplied with wires or wireless for remote viewing when connected to a TV or a computer. For viewing at night infra-red cameras can also be used.
Typically the best pictures are produced by the colour cameras which are not a lot more expensive than black and white. Cameras can be retro-fitted to existing bird boxes or complete kits can be purchased which come with everything you need to start making your own Springwatch program at home.
If you intend to put up a box near the house then it is best to by a system with wires, although there may be some fitting to do to attach the wires to the PC or TV, these tend to have the least problems and best pictures. If you have a large garden and the camera will be some way from the house then wireless systems are available.
Many companies that supply the cameras for nest boxes fit them into any suitable nesting box whether it's for small bird species or even hedgehogs so that you can watch birds and animals throughout their lifecycle.
Any nest box should be positioned in a quiet area of the garden and at least 1.5m off the ground to deter predators. A nest box can be put up at any time of year but if you put it in place by February you stand a good chance of it being occupied by Spring (In the UK). If they are in place by winter, then some birds will use them to roost and as a shelter and will then use them for nesting in Spring.
If there are a lot of cats in the area then place the box away from any building or object that a cat could climb or jump from.
Remember to clear out and maintain any nest box after the breeding season. Use warm water (no detergents) and wear gloves and a mask to protect from bacteria. This will ensure the birds or animals have a clean, clear place to nest again the next spring.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bird-watching-articles/create-a-nature-program-in-your-own-home-5161011.html
About the Author
Hi, We are nature enthusiasts and run Nestboxesandfeeders.co.uk which is an informative website for any nature lover with information on bird and animal nest boxes and feeders as well as nest box cameras. We aim to bring you a range of useful articles associated with birds and wildlife.

Category › bird box cameras , bird boxes , nest box cameras , nest boxes